Federal government to build dunes in Point Pleasant Beach

Federally funded sand dunes will soon be built in Point Pleasant Beach after a private beach lost a court battle.
The project will add dunes to the beaches between Trenton and Delaware avenues on the private beaches south of Jenkinson’s Boardwalk. But many residents are not happy about the decisions.
“I think this is like the stupidest thing I ever heard. It's going to destroy the businesses here. It’s going to be inconvenient for everybody,” says resident Barry Moffett, who has been fighting against the plan for years.
Moffett says that the dunes will not be able to stand up to any storms, especially one as strong as Superstorm Sandy.
“If we do get a storm, that dune is going to last 20 minutes. Sandy had destroyed concrete about a half-mile inland,” he says. “That dune will be gone in a heartbeat.”
Waves from offshore hurricanes reached the boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach this past summer. Borough administrator Christine Riehl says that it illustrates the need for beach replenishment for the town.
“I hope it does instill a piece of mind that they feel more protected with the threat of an oncoming event,” she says.
Some residents tell News 12 New Jersey that the project's start date will destroy this summer's tourism season. It's scheduled to begin in late June or early July.
But Riehl is asking residents to be patient with the construction.
“I believe we are in a better position than the southern towns, where we don't need as much beach-fill,” she says. “So it should move very quickly.”
Officials say that the project should last about four weeks.
Jenkinson's beaches will not be affected by the dredging because they agreed to build a privately funded sea wall.